Over the past few decades, opera has reinvented itself, emphasizing the theatrical side of the art form where previously the music was perhaps the main focus. Increasingly, many directors have reinterpreted classic works in highly dramatic, sometimes explicit terms, leading some audience members to complain of shock tactics such as an emphasis on themes of sex and violence.

Such themes have in fact long featured in opera narratives as well as productions. Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea (1643), one of the earliest operatic masterpieces, tells the story of the tyrannical and passionate Roman emperor Nero and his corrupt mistress Poppea who seduces her way to power with deadly consequences for those who cross her.

But have directors overstepped the mark in portraying such narratives with an explicit focus on their sexual or violent content? Ahead of Royal Opera productions of Wozzeck and Les Vêpres siciliennes, and following recent stagings of Written on Skin, The Wasp Factory and Elektra, let us know what you think using the comment field below:

Do you think that modern opera productions rely too much on sex and violence, or are such themes an inherent part of the art form, key to the theatrical experience?